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The Backbone Campaign specializes in the creation of spectacle imagery, innovative messaging and political theater. Most of our work involves what we call Artful Activism, in which we engage progressive activists and organizers in the strategic use of creative tactics such as festival arts, flash mobs, music and other theatrical forms of nonviolent direct action.
Accountability Tools (2)
We offer this combination of tools to respectfully create a dynamic relationship between representative and constituent. Download these FREE tools to add creativity to your citizen lobbying efforts.
For EXTRA fun and effect consider staging a Backbone Patrol visit to the office or event of your elected official. Our Backbone Patrol Action on January 29, 2007 was featured in the March 2007 episode of LibertyNewsTV (minute 9-28). Don't miss the especially entertaining song and dance routing dedicated to Senator Joseph Lieberman found below.
"Thank" = Spine "Thank You" Cards Download Options: One page Faxable form Spine Postcards (2-per page) mail or hand deliver. Bi-fold Spine Cards (2-per page) Large Format Spine Cards for office visits and special occasions. Use Spine Cards to encourage and thank your representatives. It is often most effective to thank them for one action/vote, and follow that with a request. Print Spine Cards on cardstock or normal paper then mail, fax, email or hand deliver them to your elected representatives. Urge them to demonstrate the strength of their backbone and their commitment to progressive values. Remember These are the "Carrot," and the Spineless Citations the stick, so please keep these positive. You can look up the address for your current member of Congress at Project Vote Smart: http://www.vote-smart.org/. Be sure to send all "snail mail" to their LOCAL OFFICES due to the (still unsolved???) Anthrax scare, mail to DC can take a VERRRY long time to arrive. This Backbone Campaign "Spine" cards are a reproduction of a linoleum print by Vashon Island, WA artist Kim Newall. Thank you Kim! |
"Spank" = Spineless Citations See other side Download Options: One page Faxable form Emailable Word.doc form 2-per page postcard for reprinting on cardstock front and back. Directions for Issuing "Spineless Citations": The Backbone Campaign and progressives around the country work hard to get progressive language into local, state, and national platforms and candidates often run as progressives to get grassroots support. The Spineless Citation is a tool to help citizens hold elected officials accountable to their platforms and promises. Amplify Your Voice by providing us with the information necessary to fill out the form and we'll try to include your suggestions, along with those from others around the country in our periodic alerts. Anyone can send suggestions for Spineless Citations or Spine Cards to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Also, please encourage your friends and the progressive organizations you belong to use our creative accountability tools as well. The Backbone Campaign would like to thank Shanna and Jason Sawatzki for the Spineless Citation idea and design and Cathy Fulton for her many alterations. These citations are fun, attention-getting, and demonstrate the creative expansion of citizenship that we hope to foster through the Backbone Campaign. |
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Full Show Widows Media version Full Show Real Media version |
Another Model Action: ALOHA! Help the Backbone Campaign Hit the Airwaves in Hawai'i! Hold Senators Akaka & Inouye accountable for their Spineless Vote to Drill in ANWR  Listen to the Backbone Patrol Radio Ad for Hawai'i  These two senators disregarded the platform resolution of the Hawaiian State Democratic Party, and undermined an important amendment to save the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. That's not O.K. We've thanked Senator Cantwell for her efforts, now it's time to spank these guys for putting big oil and Alaska Republicans ahead of the wishes of the rank and file in their state. We want to flood their offices with Spineless Citations from constituents and get them to reverse the damage they've done. PLEASE TAKE ACTION:
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What is "Bird-Dogging" & How to Do It
Your member of Congress spends much of his or her time in their home district. They often meet with constituents and special interest groups, or hold community open houses, town halls or when running for re-election candidate forums for the public.
Going to an event where your member of Congress is speaking and asking questions is an excellent way to thank your member in public, call them to action on a particular issue or ask them to take a leadership role on one of our issues. Using our Thank-N-Spank lobbying tools can add an effective element of theater and humor to your actions
The media is often at these events and covers the questions asked of the member. A prop like this is often a nice way to focus ones request, symbolize ones sentiments, and provide the press with a photo or soundbite. This media coverage will help influence your member of Congress, educate the community in the room and have it covered by a local paper "a super triple whammy!"
Here are some tips for ensuring your success in delivering your message clearly and amplifying your action beyond the event.
Tips on Attending a Town Hall or Candidate Forum:
2. Prepare questions ahead of time. Rehearse reading the question or comment. (Spine "Thank You" or Spineless Citation text.)
b. Be confident, considerate and persistent about getting an answer to your question.
3. Get familiar with your Congressman or the other candidates if applicable.
b. You can ask for a bio and background on candidates at their campaign headquarters.
4. Work in teams.
c. Designate a videographer, as You-Tube, Google video and other methods are an excellent way to amplify your message. Sometimes the Backbone Campaign can help you distribute your footage as well, so be sure to share pictures and video from actions you take.
d. Seek out media after the meeting to talk about our issues if they were not covered.
e. Seek out the candidates after the meeting to introduce yourself and follow up on your question, or ask it if you were not able to ask the question during the meeting.
f. Leave the event with a clear plan to follow up with their staff.
5. Stay on message.